Navy SEAL Captive - Elle James (HI #1631 - Apr 2016)

Series: SEAL of My Own (Book 2)

Saving the SEAL

Being abducted by a beautiful woman in Cancun wasn't part of Sawyer Houston's R & R mission. Jenna Broyles claims she's rescuing the vacationing navy SEAL from unknown assailants. Only it's her life on the line when the jilted bride becomes a target.

The high-end Mexico resort was supposed to be Jenna's honeymoon destination. But after a dangerous discovery forces her to play hero, she's the one in need of the gorgeous stranger's expertise. As Jenna and Sawyer flee across treacherous tropical jungles, the heat between them builds to a fever pitch. Can they make safe haven before Sawyer's secrets get them both killed?

Good book that picks up with the SEAL team almost immediately after Navy SEAL Survival. The guys are on vacation in Cancun when they stumble on a human trafficking ring. Their buddy Duff falls for the woman in that book. Now they hope to finish out their vacation without any more unwanted excitement. This book opens with the gang getting ready to experience a zip-line into the jungle. Sawyer isn't any too enthusiastic, but the others aren't going to let him weasel out of it. Also on the platform are two women, one of whom is also reluctant.  Jenna is in Cancun on the honeymoon that wasn't. Her fiancé had stood her up, claiming that he changed his mind about spending his life with someone so boring. Now she is determined to prove to herself that she can be adventurous. Jenna's friend has no trouble going, and also makes eyes at Quentin, another one of the SEALs.  Jenna and Sawyer eventually take the plunge, though Sawyer's fears are realized when the cable breaks near the bottom.

Later, when Jenna returns to the hotel, she picks up her suitcase at the desk, only to discover that it isn't her suitcase at all. Instead, she finds a rifle, money, pictures and a note describing the man that the suitcase's owner is supposed to kill - Sawyer. Determined to warn him, Jenna tracks Sawyer down and all but kidnaps him to get him out of danger. Sawyer is incredulous at first, he thinks it's a ploy to get his attention. But the truth is undeniable when Jenna shows him the case and he realizes that not only is he a target, Jenna is also.

I loved the chemistry between Sawyer and Jenna. The attraction had been there from their meeting at the zipline, and their enforced proximity gives it the opportunity to grow. I loved the two of them together. Sawyer is protective and determined to make sure that Jenna is safe while he finds out who wants to kill him. Jenna refuses to be put in a safe little box and insists on being a full participant in the search for the truth. I liked how their relationship developed, with heat and attraction leading to the desire to get to know each other. I liked the way that Sawyer's attention built up Jenna's confidence in herself, especially his insistence that she is definitely not boring. I also liked how Jenna's attention made Sawyer realize that it's possible to have a relationship and his career at the same time. His experience growing up with a distant father had made him doubt that ability. I also found it interesting that he had kept his family ties a secret, even from his friends, in a desire to be accepted for himself. I loved the surprise he got from those same friends later in the book. I liked the way that Jenna and Sawyer agree that they want to pursue their relationship and see where it goes, rather than exhibit a case of instant love. I look forward to seeing more of them in the later books in the series.

The suspense of the story was terrific. From Jenna's discovery of the rifle to the last confrontation, the action was nearly nonstop. I loved the way that the team made sure that Sawyer knew that he wasn't in it alone, in spite of his desire to keep them out of it. I especially enjoyed the parts where it is the ladies who take the lead and the men are relegated to support staff.  I also enjoyed seeing Natalie and Lance from the first book take an active role in this one. Each step that the group takes to find out who is trying to kill Sawyer brings an increase in danger, from street thugs to drug cartel kingpins. The ending was a bit of a surprise, with part of the mystery resolved and part of it still in question. I'm looking forward to the next book and hopefully getting more answers.

The MacGregor's Lady - Grace Burrowes (Sourcebooks Casablanca - Feb 2014)

Series: MacGregor (Book 3)

What if the steps they take to avoid marriage...

The last thing Asher MacGregor, newly titled Earl of Balfour, wants is a society wife, though he has agreed to squire Boston heiress Hannah Cooper about the London ballrooms. When he's met that obligation, he'll return to the Highlands, and resume the myriad responsibilities awaiting him there.

...Lead instead to impossible love?

At her step-father's insistence, Hannah Cooper must endure a London season, though she has no intention of surrendering her inheritance to a fortune hunter. When she's done her duty, she'll return to Boston and the siblings who depend upon her for their safety... or will she? The taciturn Scottish earl suits her purposes admirably-until genuine liking and unexpected passion bring Asher and Hannah close. For if the Scottish earl and the American heiress fall in love, an ocean of differences threatens to keep them apart.

Very good book. Asher has returned to Scotland after being declared dead, to take up his responsibilities as the earl. He has no intention of marrying, having a tragedy in his past that has made him unwilling to risk his heart. He has been coerced into escorting Hannah and her aunt around London, after which he will return to Scotland and his duties there.

Hannah has been forced by her stepfather to go to London and find a husband. She has no plans to marry; instead, she will return to Boston to watch over her younger brothers, grandmother, and mother. All she has to do is remain unmarried until she can claim her inheritance.

I loved the relationship that developed between Asher and Hannah. They clashed at the beginning, as neither wanted to be where they were. But it didn't take long for them to discover their similarities, and a pretty sweet friendship developed from there. Hannah is pragmatic about herself. She doesn't see herself as attractive, she has a limp and feels that her only appeal is her fortune. Her family is important to her, and she feels that she is the only one who can protect them from her stepfather. Her focus is on surviving the Season and returning to Boston. For Asher, his family is also his focus. He feels guilty for the way he had previously abandoned them and is determined to make everything right now that he is back.

It was fun to see Asher push Hannah through the preparations for the Season. She tried to resist but ended up giving in. I loved his sensitivity to her limp and the way he found to fix it. It was sweet to see how he wanted to make her forced social time easier for her. As they spent time together, they discovered that they liked each other and appreciated the similarities of their situations. That liking turned to love, intensified by the attraction they felt for each other. Asher quickly realized that he wanted to keep Hannah in his life and proposed marriage. Unfortunately, Hannah was still focused on her need to return to Boston. I was a little frustrated with her, as Asher made multiple offers to help her with her family issues, but she refused his help. I ached for them both as they admitted their love for each other, but couldn't see a way to make it work.

I loved the support that Asher received from his family. They welcomed him back into the fold with few recriminations. When he wanted their help with Hannah's Season, they came in force. There is an especially moving scene near the end, as Asher is holding a baby, where he finally confesses his painful past to his brothers. I loved their understanding and shared grief.

I wasn't sure how Asher and Hannah were going to get their HEA with everything that was working against them. Seeing her get on that ship, headed back to Boston, made me want to shake her until she saw sense. That Asher's plan was nearly too late made me crazy when so much could have been avoided if he had just told her what he had done. I loved the ending as Hannah makes a decision and tries to stop the ship at the same time Asher attempts to do the same. It was a scene that had me laughing out loud and cheering them both on.

Mission: Colton Justice - Jennifer Morey (HRS #1963 - Oct 2017)

Series: Coltons of Shadow Creek (Book 7)

When his wife, Tess, died, tech mogul Jeremy Kincaid's perfect world broke apart. Their young son is the light of his life, but Jeremy can't shake suspicions that her death was no accident. Did presumed-dead Livia Colton orchestrate Tess's car accident? Jeremy risks everything by enlisting beautiful PI Adeline Winters to uncover the truth.

Adeline once served as Tess and Jeremy's egg donor and surrogate. Giving up her baby was the hardest thing she'd ever had to do, yet she can't turn down Jeremy's plea for help now. But Adeline and Jeremy must push aside their slow-burning attraction when kidnappers place the ultimate bargaining chip on the table: their son.

This was an okay read, not as good as most of the Colton books. Jeremy and his wife, Tess, had been unable to have children and used a surrogate and egg donor to have their son Jamie. Shortly after his birth, Tess died in a car accident, leaving Jeremy to raise their son alone. However, he is certain that Tess's death was no accident and that the missing-but-presumed-dead Livia Colton is responsible. Try as he might, he can't get law enforcement to investigate, so he goes to a private investigator for answers.

Adeline was a poor college student when she agreed to help Jeremy and Tess by being their surrogate, but giving up the baby was heartbreaking for her. Since then she finished her education and now runs a successful investigation business. She is surprised when Jeremy comes to her for help discovering the truth about Tess's death, but can't turn him down.

I liked Adeline. She is feisty, intelligent, and determined. I liked the way that, although she empathized with Jeremy's wish to believe Tess was murdered, she doesn't allow emotion to affect her investigation. She will only accept hard evidence to convince her. I also felt for her reluctance to spend much time with Jamie. It hurt enough to give him up the first time; getting to know him now and then leaving him again would be even worse.

I had a harder time liking Jeremy. As the book went on, his refusal to believe that the accident was just that, in spite of growing evidence, seemed to be more about his guilty feelings than an actual quest for justice. I also felt that he didn't really consider Adeline's feelings when he insisted that she spend time with Jamie. Again, it was more about his feelings than hers.

There was no doubt that there was an intense attraction between Adeline and Jeremy. I was a little disturbed by the fact that Jeremy had been drawn to Adeline during the pregnancy process while he was married to Tess. That leaned a bit further into infidelity than I was comfortable with. Now that Tess is gone, he's free to pursue the attraction, but there are also guilty feelings from his marriage that cause him to hold back his emotions. Adeline finds it easy to fall for the man who is the father of her baby but fears his interest is only that of providing a new mother for his son. I liked the way that Adeline stood up for her own needs at the end, forcing Jeremy to take an honest look at his own feelings.

The suspense of the story was good. Jeremy's conviction that Tess's accident was murder led him and Adeline to ask questions that gained them some unwanted attention. Adeline and Jeremy uncover some unexpected information about Tess and her past, linking her with Livia Colton, but is it enough for murder? When their investigation starts to get too close for someone's comfort, Jamie is kidnapped to get them to back off. Their race to save him before the kidnapper can carry out his plans is intense and had me on the edge of my seat as I read. The identity of the culprit wasn't too much of a surprise when it came to the final confrontation.

Ms Demeanor - Danica Winters (HI #1753 - Dec 2017)

Series: Mystery Christmas (Book 4)

A cold-case Christmas in Mystery, Montana

Yearning to be known as something other than Mystery's ultimate bad boy, rancher Rainier Fitzgerald isn't pleased when he stumbles upon the remains of a dead body. Especially when Officer Laura Blade catches him with a gun in his hand.

Spending Christmas chasing down a cold case with a man she's not supposed to fraternize with isn't granting any of Laura's holiday wishes, either. But could her favorite time of the year be working its magic on Laura's feelings? Or is Rainier truly transforming from a charismatic rogue to a hero worthy of her heart?

Good conclusion to the series. In this book, we finally get to meet Ranier, the brother who has been "away." As it happens, he has been in prison for assaulting his biological father. The story opens as he is released, expecting that one of his brothers will pick him up. Instead, he is met by Laura, his parole officer, who is picking him up as a favor to his brother Wyatt. There are sparks between the two from the beginning, but a relationship between an ex-con and his parole officer?

Laura seems pretty uptight at the beginning. She hammers at him about all the rules he has to follow without appearing to care much about his feelings about going home. Meanwhile, Rainier is unsure about what his reception will be when he arrives back at Dunrovin. I ached for him because he had missed his family so badly. I was so happy to see his mom's and Colter's joy at his return, and his father's matter-of-fact, put Rainier to work attitude. But Rainier hadn't been home an hour when trouble found him, as he unearthed a gun and a human bone while helping his dad. What I didn't understand was how Laura immediately found that to be cause to send him back to prison. It wasn't like he had pulled a gun and shot someone. I was glad to see her back off since I thought she had overreacted. However, the incident did bring Rainier's lawman brother to the ranch and showcased the tension between the two men. I lost a little respect for Wyatt here because of his negative attitude.

While all this was going on, there was also a surprise visit from neighbor and nemesis William Poe. He shows up just to deliver a "misdelivered" tax bill from the county, showing that the Fitzgeralds owe thousands in back taxes on their ranch, with only a few days to come up with the money. The family is devastated at the thought of losing their home and livelihood. Laura is a bit suspicious and offers to ask her father, a high-priced attorney, to look into the matter. Laura has a stressful relationship with her father, who doesn't approve of her work, but she believes that he will do the right thing.

Meanwhile, the sparks and connection between Rainier and Laura continue to grow. Neither of them could deny what was between them. For people who seemed to be so different on the outside, there was quite a bit that they had in common. Both of them are protective, looking out/standing up for people who need help. Each finds the other incredibly attractive and want to believe the best of each other. I loved seeing them work together to discover the truth behind the taxes and the dead body. The more time they spent together, the closer they got. I especially enjoyed the way that the whole family made Laura feel welcome, even teasing her about her Christmas addiction. I liked how they came together at the end, realizing that their love and being true to themselves was more important than anything else.

The suspense of the story was very good, wrapping up the story arc that had carried through the series. From the beginning, we know that William Poe has it in for the Fitzgeralds, though we don't know why until the end of this book. There is definitely the sense that he has used underhanded methods to cause problems for the family, an idea borne out by the investigation conducted by Laura's father. The identity of the body on the ranch property comes as a huge shock, as does why it is there. The final confrontation with Poe is intense and answers a lot of questions that have come up during the books. The resolution was a relief to everyone.

Mr. Taken - Danica Winters (HI #1747 - Nov 2017)

Series: Mystery Christmas (Book 3)

In Mystery, Montana, a white-hot hunk fights fire with passion…

Though he's ridiculously handsome and notoriously funny, it's Colter Fitzgerald's firefighting skills that are most needed by Whitney Barstow -- at first. She's been traumatized by fire and terrified that the arsonist sabotaging Dunrovin Ranch is a madman from her past. She's also fearful that harm will come to any man she loves, so denies her attraction to Colter. Then why is she jealous of another woman's hands all over him?

On the eve of the ranch's Christmas festival, Colter wants no one but Whitney, body, soul and darkest secrets. But there's still an arsonist to stop…before what makes the season bright is Dunrovin in flames.

Good addition to the series, as trouble continues to affect Dunrovin ranch and its residents. Whitney is the ranch's newest employee. She came to Montana to escape the memories of the fire that changed her life and the man who caused it. Those memories also cause her to avoid getting close to anyone and even stay away from the horses that used to be such a big part of her life.

Colter is the Fitzgerald son who has gone his own way. He loves his adopted family, but the ranch life isn't for him. He is a firefighter to the bone, which suits his protective nature. He is fun-loving and has a bit of a reputation as a ladies man. But for the last several months his focus has been on his growing feelings for Whitney.

I really enjoyed the relationship between Whitney and Colter. Because of her past and her fear of bringing trouble to them, Whitney has tried to deny her attraction to Colter. She does her best to discourage his interest in her, but Colter refuses to give up. I loved his persistence and how he finally breaks through her reserve. Whitney is still hesitant about getting involved with Colter, especially when strange things begin to happen around the ranch. She is afraid that her ex is behind them and doesn't want those she cares about to be put in danger because of her. I loved Colter's protectiveness toward her and his belief in her when others think she might be behind the latest ranch troubles. It was fun to see her try to deny her feelings for Colter at the same time she was so obviously jealous of the woman who was blatantly pursuing him. In the end, it was the depth of Colter's feelings that won her over.

The suspense of the story was very good. Just when the people of Dunrovin thought that life would get back to normal, more trouble reared its ugly head. From sabotaged barn flooring to Molotov cocktails, it's obvious that someone has it in for the ranch. Whitney is afraid that her ex has found her and is determined to finish what he started. But there is also the suspicion that it is someone who wants the ranch to fail, as the constant troubles have affected the ranch's bottom line. Colter, Whitney, and Wyatt work together to try to find the truth. A devastating fire at a local business jeopardized the ranch's community Yule celebration, putting the ranch's survival at risk. I loved the surprise that the Fitzgerald's received. But the excitement wasn't over, as the person behind the trouble made another attempt. The final confrontation was frightening, as Whitney relived the terror of her past. The culprit was a surprise twist in the story, which provides a hint of what is to come in the next book.

Baby Talk and Wedding Bells - Brenda Harlen (HSE #2529 - Feb 2017)

Series: Those Engaging Garretts (Book 11)

The start of a new chapter?

Braden Garrett felt blessed the instant his adopted baby girl was laid in his arms. Fifteen months later, the widowed CEO feels out of place as the only man at the local library's toddler music class! Until his gaze falls on the librarian. Beautiful Cassie MacKinnon sparks a desire he'd long forgotten…but why can't he convince her to go out with him?

After a disastrous broken engagement, Cassie's given up her dreams of white picket fences. That is, until tall, dark and sexy Mr. Garrett sparks fantasies of a different kind! Tempting as Braden is, though, Cassie is afraid the single dad only sees her as a substitute mommy. Or is the dedicated daddy offering everything she's ever wanted -- true love and family -- in one perfect package?

Good book. Braden is a widower, raising his little girl with the help of his family. He adores little Saige and will do anything for her, even take her to storytime at the library. He feels a little awkward, but the librarian soon puts him at ease. She also sparks an interest he hasn't felt in a long time. Cassie is attracted to Braden also, but after the end of her engagement, she is wary of getting involved again.

I enjoyed the first meeting between Braden and Cassie. Braden is adorably awkward in the storytime setting, but his love for little Saige is obvious. Cassie is moved by his involvement, which only adds to his appeal. But Braden puts his foot in his mouth when he makes an offensive comment about her job, and she turns down his invitation to meet for coffee.  But neither one can forget about the other. A little well-meaning interference from Braden's mother keeps bringing them together.

Braden wants to find a mother for Saige, but he isn't interested in falling in love again. There had been some problems in his marriage at the end and he doesn't want to risk being hurt again. He also has some guilty feelings because Saige's birth mother had made it plain that she wanted two loving parents for her baby and he is now a single father. He also misses the companionship of having someone to come home to. Cassie has given up on her dreams of a family of her own after she realized her fiancé was trying to turn her into a clone of his ex-wife. On top of her experiences with her own family, she has decided that she is better off alone. She plans to content herself with her work and her friends.

I liked the development of the relationship between Braden and Cassie. It starts out a bit rough because of the things that Braden said, but he redeems himself with a sincere apology. I liked seeing them get to know each other, both with Saige and without her. It doesn't take long for Cassie to fall for both Saige and Braden and start to believe that happiness is once again within her grasp. It's pretty clear that Braden is falling for Cassie too, but he refuses to admit it, determined to protect his heart. He talks a good game though and soon has Cassie believing that they have a future together. I ached for her when she discovered the truth. I loved seeing her stand up for herself and let Braden know that she deserved more than he was offering. Fortunately, Braden did realize that he loved her. I liked his determination to win her back and also appreciated that Cassie made him work for it.

I also enjoyed the secondary characters. Saige, of course, was adorable. I loved the way that she had Braden wrapped around her little fingers. I loved Braden's mother and her attempts to get him to see that he needed a love of his own. She also has a big heart, and I liked how she pulled Cassie into the family. My favorite character was the retired librarian, Miss Houlahan. I thoroughly enjoyed Braden's memories of her, and how his opinion of her changed as he got to know more about her. I loved the influence she'd had on Cassie when she was a kid, and how she impacted Cassie's life when she was most needed. It was really sweet to see her interactions with Mr. Riordan.

Autumn Flame - Lynne Hayworth (Zebra - Apr 2001)

Series: Clan MacLean (Book 2)

On the bloody battlefield of Culloden, the mighty Scottish clans risked everything--and like their kinsmen, the Maclean family was destroyed. Torn apart by betrayal, the three brothers Maclean will learn the price of vengeance...and sweet freedom in a woman's love.

THIEF OF HEARTS
To inherit the Virginia tobacco plantation where he worked as overseer, Diarmid Maclean had to take a wife immediately. In desperation, he bought a British bond slave as his bride--a fiery Gypsy pickpocket he'd tame into a lady, then free once his inheritance was assured. Passionate and beautiful, Lucy Graves stole Diarmid's heart and made him forget his vow to keep the marriage chaste--and temporary. But the last time he dared to love an Englishwoman, Diarmid's entire clan paid a terrible price. Now the banished Highland warrior must slay the ghosts of his past...before his beloved thief is taken from him forever.

Good book. It opens with Lucy, half-Gypsy, trying to get enough money to keep her and her little brother alive. For her, if it's a choice between stealing and selling her body, stealing wins hands down. But this time she and Mick are caught, betrayed by her stepfather and thrown into Newgate. Lucy's quick thinking saves them from hanging, but they are sent to Virginia to be sold as indentured servants. Devastated when she is separated from Mick, she is determined to find him and protect him, and she'll make a deal with the devil if she needs to.

Diarmid has been in Virginia for sixteen years, ever since being transported for treason after Culloden. He's worked his way up to overseer and could inherit it all if he is married. Desperate, he buys Lucy and promises to set her free once he has achieved his goal if Lucy can convince the owner that she's a proper wife. He doesn't count on the passion that flares between them, threatening the plans he has made.

The fireworks between Lucy and Diarmid are frequent and intense. Both are stubborn and hot-headed. Each has been betrayed in the past in such a way that they don't trust easily, if at all. And each one has too much pride to admit their need for each other. I enjoyed their battles - when I didn't want to lock them in a room together until they'd actually TALK to each other. The "lady lessons" at the beginning were a riot, and I loved how Lucy's talent for mimicry really came through.

There were times I was just as frustrated with Diarmid as Lucy was. He had promised her that he would find her brother and get him back for her, but he kept blowing off that promise and focusing on his own plans. Then he would get mad when she took matters into her own hands. At the same time, Lucy tended to act without thinking, which put everything into jeopardy.

The development of their relationship was definitely stormy. Neither was happy about the attraction that grew between them. Having been betrayed by a woman he loved, Diarmid is determined that emotion will never play a part in his relationships again. He makes grand statements about not touching Lucy, only to discover that he can't keep his hands or his mind off her. He really wants to get her into his bed, but he also doesn't want to risk his heart again. Lucy has sworn that she will not give herself to any man, but Diarmid is more temptation that she can handle. I loved seeing them slowly build up trust, as they learn about each other.

Things between them are complicated by the woman who wants Diarmid for herself. She is willing to lie and cheat to get what she wants, and she does a pretty good job of playing against Lucy's fears. When she teams up against a man who has a grudge against Diarmid, things look pretty bleak for things working out between Diarmid and Lucy. The confrontation at the end is intense and is creepy as well as scary.

I liked the old lady who owned the plantation. She was quite a character who seemed to get a lot of enjoyment out of making Diarmid dance to her tune. I enjoyed the interactions between her and Lucy, especially as Lucy got more into her role as Diarmid's wife. There was an interesting twist at the end that I didn't see coming and made me laugh out loud when it became known.

Lady Osbaldestone's Christmas Goose - Stephanie Laurens (Savdek Management Propriety - Oct 2017)

Series: Lady Osbaldestone's Christmas Chronicles (Book 1)

Three years after being widowed, Lady Therese Osbaldestone finally settles into her dower property of Hartington Manor in the village of Little Moseley in Hampshire. She is in two minds as to whether life in the small village will generate sufficient interest to keep her amused over the months when she is not in London or visiting friends around the country. But she will see.It's December, 1810, and Therese is looking forward to her usual Christmas with her family at Winslow Abbey, her youngest daughter, Celia's home. But then a carriage rolls up and disgorges Celia's three oldest children. Their father has contracted mumps, and their mother has sent the three-Jamie, George, and Lottie-to spend this Christmas with their grandmama in Little Moseley.

Therese has never had to manage small children, not even her own. She assumes the children will keep themselves amused, but quickly learns that what amuses three inquisitive, curious, and confident youngsters isn't compatible with village peace. Just when it seems she will have to set her mind to inventing something, she and the children learn that with only twelve days to go before Christmas, the village flock of geese has vanished. Every household in the village is now missing the centerpiece of their Christmas feast. But how could an entire flock go missing without the slightest trace? The children are as mystified and as curious as Therese-and she seizes on the mystery as the perfect distraction for the three children as well as herself. But while searching for the geese, she and her three helpers stumble on two locals who, it is clear, are in dire need of assistance in sorting out their lives.

Never one to shy from a little matchmaking, Therese undertakes to guide Miss Eugenia Fitzgibbon into the arms of the determinedly reclusive Lord Longfellow. To her considerable surprise, she discovers that her grandchildren have inherited skills and talents from both her late husband as well as herself. And with all the customary village events held in the lead up to Christmas, she and her three helpers have opportunities galore in which to subtly nudge and steer. Yet while their matchmaking appears to be succeeding, neither they nor anyone else have found so much as a feather from the village's geese. Larceny is ruled out; a flock of that size could not have been taken from the area without someone noticing. So where could the birds be? And with the days passing and Christmas inexorably approaching, will they find the blasted birds in time?

Fun Christmas story starring the wonderful Lady Osbaldestone, Grande Dame of Regency society. She has been one of my favorite characters throughout the Cynster books, and it's always an experience when she shows up. As the story opens, Lady Osbaldestone is debating settling down in her widowhood at her dower property in the small village of Little Moseley. She's not sure there will be enough to keep her busy, but at the moment she is well-occupied. Three of her grandchildren are staying with her while their father is ill and they have her life turned topsy-turvy.

I loved the opening as the children explain the brouhaha they have caused to the church. They are obviously intelligent children with a lot of curiosity. I loved seeing Lady O try to keep a straight face as she deals with them and the vicar. She realized that she is going to have her hands full keeping them out of trouble. When the vicar mentions that the village's flock of geese has mysteriously disappeared, she gets the idea of involving them in the search. It will also give her a chance to get reacquainted with the residents of the village. I loved the call on Eugenia, who is in charge of their estate until her brother comes of age. She is frustrated with the antics of him and his friends while they are visiting from Oxford. I laughed out loud when those young men encountered Lady O.

Lady O also calls on another neighbor, the reclusive Lord Longfellow. Christian is a former soldier who is hiding away, as he received injuries that have caused facial scarring a feels that he isn't fit for society. Lady O gains access to Christian in a rather unorthodox way, but it is effective. She also settles on two goals for herself: bring Christian out of hiding so he can live again, and see if she can guide Eugenia and Christian together. Just the kind of challenge she loves!

I loved both Eugenia and Christian. She is kind and compassionate, but she also has spirit. Christian is a good man who believes that his future is now pretty bleak. He doesn't want to endure pity, so he locks himself away instead. Christian and Eugenia already know each other as neighbors but haven't seen each other in awhile. Sparks fly between them from the moment they meet again. I loved the encounter about the gate, Eugenia's conspiracy with Lady O, followed by the whole decorating gig.

Because Lady O is such a force, she generally gets her way. I loved her use of a small dinner party to ease Christian further out of his shell. The actions of those who attended warmed my heart with their matter-of-fact acceptance of Christian as he is. Each of them also does their part to pull him back into village life. Christian quickly finds himself getting more involved, no matter how he tries to avoid it.

I liked seeing the relationship develop between Christian and Eugenia. While she aches for his pain, pity isn't what she feels around him. Christian first tries pushing her away, but she won't be pushed. It also takes some additional prodding from a pint-sized matchmaker, which was fun to see. There are some hair-raising moments at the end when Christian discovers that he's not as useless as he thought he was. Both he and Eugenia realize the truth of their feelings for each other.

II loved following the mystery of the missing geese. All three children really got into the spirit of trying to find out what happened to them. I enjoyed the way it gave me the opportunity to meet various people in the village and experience a little of their daily lives. As Christmas nears and the village is without the geese for their Christmas dinners, the searchers become more determined. I loved seeing the way things came together to solve the mystery just in time.

I am looking forward to a yearly tradition of Christmas stories about Lady O and her adventures.

Wyoming Undercover - Karen Whiddon (HRS #1972 - Dec 2017)

In need of redemption, a Wyoming rogue must free a woman from a deadly cult

Private investigator Jack Moreno lives and breathes for the riskiest missions. But not even his elite training can prepare him for his latest operation: going undercover to rescue a child from a cult. In the process, he meets Sophia Hannah, a young, vulnerable nurse, who is days away from a forced marriage to the cult leader.

Sophia doesn’t know life beyond the invisible walls around her -- or that her searing attraction to a handsome stranger is built on lies. Desperate to escape her fate as the next wife to be used and discarded, she turns to Jack. But as they chase freedom, they’ll confront an even more dangerous threat: the truth.

Good story with unusual characters. Jack is a former soldier who got hooked on pain pills after losing a leg in the war. He's a recovering addict who has been having a little trouble finding his place. He started his own PI business, but it's slow going. His latest case, track down a missing child who might have ended up in a cult, is a "make or break" for him. He plans to go undercover into the cult for his search. He ends up inside much faster (and painfully) than he expected. One of the first people he meets is Sophia.

Sophia is the nurse who helps the cult's doctor. She's young and beautiful and knows nothing of the world outside. She has been content with her life, having friends, a job she likes, and dreams of her own wedding when she finds the right man. She also has a strong will that surfaces when she needs it. She is puzzled by her immediate attraction to Jack. Then she finds out that the leader of the cult has picked her to be his next of many wives. She turns to Jack for help escaping.

I liked the development of Jack and Sophia's relationship. There is a connection between them from the moment they met. Jack feels a bit guilty as he gets to know Sophia because of the lies he tells, but he can't deny the way he feels. I liked the protectiveness he felt toward her. I liked Sophia's gentleness and her sensitivity to Jack's past. The attraction between them flared up quickly, and I was surprised by a couple of their actions, given the time and place. The intensity of the events gave a boost to the feelings growing between them.

The author did a good job of building the world of the cult. It was easy to see the appeal of the lifestyle to the majority of the members. As Jack settled into life as a member, I got to see the day to day life. But it didn't take long for the more sinister aspects to become obvious to him. Jack is warned and threatened several times about spending too much time with Sophia, but he can't stay away. He's horrified by the idea of her marrying the leader and is determined to find some way to help.  The scenes with the senior wife had moments that were a bit creepy as Sophia was instructed on her upcoming wedding and responsibilities. I really liked seeing Jack with the two little boys as he tried to find out if one of them was the missing one. Both Sophia and her friend, Rachel, began to suspect something disturbing and their actions trigger some unwanted attention. The final confrontation was intense, with help from a surprising source, and several surprises at the end.

I would have liked an epilogue with some type of followup on Jack and Sophia's relationship, and her and the other members' lives after their escape.

Regency Christmas Wishes - Carla Kelly, Christine Merrill, Janice Preston (HH #1351 - Nov 2017)

CAPTAIN GREY'S CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL by Carla Kelly

Captain Grey had been fighting malarial fever in Savannah when he met Theodora Winnings. He proposed by letter--but it's taken ten years to receive her reply. The answer was "yes!"--but is she still free to become his Christmas bride?

Good second chance story. Jem is a captain in the Royal Navy who is currently at loose ends with the end of the war. While visiting a tavern that was used as a contact point during his career, he is given a letter that is more than ten years old, from a woman he had met while fighting a bout of malaria. Teddy had been a regular visitor to the hospital and eventually spent most of her time with Jem. After he had returned to his ship, he wrote and proposed to her, but never heard back. He did his best to move on, going on to have a successful career, but he never quite forgot her. He is stunned to receive the letter from her and discover that she had replied in the affirmative. Unfortunately, most of the rest of the letter is illegible due to damage, though she refers to something that she should have told him. Jem must decide if he wants to return to the United States and see if Teddy is still available.

Though Jem knows he should just let it go as a pleasant memory from the past, he can't. Something drives him to pursue his quest to see if he can find her. It isn't easy, and there are moments when he is tempted to give up. Eventually, his persistence pays off and he finds her, but there are huge changes from the woman he remembers. When Jem finds out Teddy's secret, it is a shock, but not one that will keep him from his goal.

Teddy has never forgotten Jem either. Her life has not been an easy one, and her memories of her time with him have been the bright spot in her existence. She is stunned by his reappearance and even more so when she discovers that he still wants her.

I really enjoyed the progress of the story. Jem's persistence in his search made me hope for his success. I loved the assistance that he received from the mysterious newspaper owner. Teddy's arrival was perfectly timed to just as Jem was ready to give up. It was sweet to see that the memories of their feelings for each other gave a boost to the rekindling of their relationship. I loved that Teddy's secret made no difference to Jem's love for her. I loved seeing Jem risk everything to achieve his dream of having Teddy in his life. How it happened had some interesting twists before they reached their happy ending.

I thoroughly enjoyed the mysterious Mr. Hollinsworth and his efforts to help Jem and Teddy. His cheerful and positive attitude was just what they needed at some of the darker moments of their quest to be together. I also liked the connection he appeared to have to Jem's longstanding conversations with "Sir". There were a lot of things that came together at the end, and Mr. Hollinsworth seemed to have a part in each of them.

HER CHRISTMAS TEMPTATION by Christine Merrill

Faith Strickland's plan to marry to save her family backfires when notorious rake James Leggett sets out to break her unhappy engagement. He'll storm her Twelfth Night celebrations and scorch her into surrender!

This one was okay. Faith is desperate to marry as a way to save her family and uses questionable methods to gain a fiancé. The man knows he's been manipulated and isn't happy, for he loves another, but is honorable. Cyril is present during the family Christmas party, but obviously unhappy. Faith isn't any happier, but determined to do what she must.

Enter James. He is well known as a rake and has even participated in several duels. His cousin Bea is the woman who Cyril truly loves. Though James is willing to marry Bea himself, he'd much rather find a way to untangle Cyril from his present circumstances. As he knows Faith's grandmother, he wangles an invite to the Christmas party, determined to break up the engagement.

The development of the relationship between James and Faith is interesting. Neither one comes across as a very nice person. James is a rake and he intends to use that reputation to gain his objective. He fully intends to behave in such a way toward Faith that she will look bad in front of Cyril and others, causing Cyril to break the engagement. He doesn't expect to be attracted and intrigued by Faith. Faith is bothered by James from the moment he arrived. He arouses feelings in her that make her realize just how much will be missing from her marriage to Cyril, but she stubbornly refuses to look at other options. It was fun to see James retain his intention, but also experience some guilt over what the results would likely be. He also unwillingly found himself contemplating the notion of marrying her himself; something that surprised and worried him. Faith did redeem herself somewhat at the end when she found out about Bea. The attraction between James and Faith comes to a head, amazing them both and leaving each in shock. There is some miscommunication that pulls them apart before they finally set things straight and realize that they belong together.

AWAKENING HIS SLEEPING BEAUTY by Janice Preston

Lonely Diana Fleming knows handsome knights don't really exist. But can a festive kiss from the man she loves reawaken her frozen heart?

Good story. Diana's life is pretty dreary, especially around Christmas time. Her younger brother died eight years ago, and since then her father hides out in his study and her mother dwells on her grief. Her mother has Diana bowing to her every demand. Neither Diana nor her mother is happy to hear that her father invited his cousin and her seven children to spend the holidays. Lavenham insists however, because the oldest son, Aaron, is now heir to the estate and it's time for him to become familiar with it.

Aaron isn't happy with the change to the usual Fleming family Christmas. He is used to coming home to his family and the same traditions, and doesn't want anyone changing things. Besides, he doesn't have that great an opinion of Diana, who he recalled as a mouse of a girl. But his mother insists, and off they all go. Neither Aaron nor Diana know that Sally and Lavenham plotted the whole visit with an eye to encouraging a match between them.

Now I will admit that neither Diana nor Aaron made the best first impression on me or each other. Diana doesn't seem to have any backbone at all when it comes to her mother. Yes, the woman is grieving, but she is sucking all the life out of Diana as well. Aaron just came across as a bit spoiled. He's been out of the army for several years and spends most of his time hanging out with his friends. To complain  about his mother's plans seems selfish, especially since he will inherit that estate someday. When the Flemings arrive, Aaron thinks that Diana is still stiff and quiet, and Diana things that Aaron is arrogant and overbearing.

I enjoyed both the development of the relationship and the whole visit. Thanks to Diana's mother's excessive mourning, Diana had never experienced the usual Christmas traditions. After a bit of a rough start, Aaron gets into the Christmas spirit along with his brothers and sisters, and drags Diana right along with them. Besides all the fun of the traditions, there are also sparks between Aaron and Diana. I especially enjoyed the protectiveness he showed whenever Diana's mother would start in on her. I also liked the way that Diana started showing more spirit under Aaron's attention and the friendship with her other cousins. There were some sweet scenes as the sparks between them grew brighter. The only dark spot came when first Diana discovered the matchmaking plot and didn't know how to tell Aaron. Then he found out about it and was furious because of an earlier betrayal by a friend. Aaron behaved like a jerk, but fortunately came to his senses pretty quickly. Overall, a good story. I'd like to eventually see stories for Aaron's brothers and sisters too.

Unwrapped - Katie Lane (Forever - Oct 2015)

Series: Hunk for the Holidays (Book 3)

GOOD THINGS COME IN SEXY PACKAGES . . .

Jacqueline Maguire has a problem tying the knot. After fleeing the altar (again), the runaway bride drives off with no particular destination in mind. Which is how Jac finds herself stranded in a snowstorm with a hot, hard-bodied stranger who treats her to the naughtiest night of her life . . . but come morning, he's long gone.

Contractor Patrick McPherson is deeply committed to his bachelor lifestyle. No strings, no rings. As the Christmas season approaches, however, Patrick still can't quite forget his curvalicious one-night stand. Then Jac shows up unexpectedly, and all holiday hell breaks loose. Because this year, Patrick is getting the biggest Christmas surprise of his life . . .

Fun book about two people who are very different and what happens when they find each other. Jac is desperate to get married. Her late aunt had stipulated in her will that Jac had to be married to inherit and she is running out of time. She has tried twice, but each time chickened out at the last minute. Her latest attempt sends her off in a Halloween blizzard, where she promptly wrecks her car. Fortunately for her, she is rescued by a kilt-wearing vampire - at least that's what she thinks.

Patrick has just come home from a Halloween party and is still wearing his kilt and the realistic fangs when Jac bursts into his life. She has him so flummoxed that he forgets about the fangs when the urge strikes to kiss her and is dismayed when she faints. After realizing that she's injured, he takes care of her, until the sparks between them flare up again. The heat generated between them makes an impression on both of them. But when Jac wakes up in the morning, Patrick isn't there, but a local deputy has found her wrecked car and gave Jac a lift into town. Patrick is stunned to find her gone when he gets back from a grocery run.

A month later, neither has been able to forget the other, but Jac has an unexpected reminder. While she plans to keep the baby, she's determined to return to Denver to see Patrick again and exorcise him from her mind. However, things don't go quite the way she planned.

I really liked Patrick. He's a straightforward kind of guy who doesn't play games. He isn't interested in getting married, but he does like the ladies. His aunt is determined to see him hitched and has been throwing women at him left and right. They make such an impression on him that he can't even remember their names - though he has no trouble remembering Jac's. He's also serious, hard-working, and an animal lover.

I had a little more trouble warming up to Jac. She first gives the impression of being a materialistic ditz. She goes on and on about doing whatever she has to in order to get her aunt's money, even possibly marrying older men that she doesn't care about. Then there's her wild imagination. Patrick is a vampire, there's a man trying to kill her for her inheritance, and it was Bigfoot that made her run off the road. Her attempt at a disguise to see Patrick was laughable as was the story she concocted. But as the book went on, things about her past make her actions a little more understandable.

I enjoyed the development of their relationship. The sparks between them haven't died down any, and they aren't all the attraction variety. There is also a good bit of antagonism as Jac insists that she'll raise the baby on her own and Patrick isn't having it. He wants to be a father to their child. He proposes they get married, and since that suits her needs, Jac agrees. But things don't immediately become unicorns and roses. Patrick immediately returns to his workaholic ways, and a bored Jac is sure to get into trouble. Her methods are a bit manipulative, which comes back to bite her when Patrick finds out. But a good Irish vs. Scottish shouting match brings about compromise and meeting of minds. I loved seeing Jac and Patrick get to know each other and enjoy spending time together, not just in bed. What neither expected was actually to fall in love, and neither quite knew what to do about it. Unfortunately for Jac, she had never told Patrick her initial reason for agreeing to the marriage, and when he finds out, the hurt and anger are intense. I ached for both of them during that confrontation. I loved the advice that Patrick got and what he did with it. The ending was awesome.

The secondary characters were the icing on the cake of the story. Patrick's Aunt Wheezie was a hoot with her machinations. She was an interfering old lady, but her heart was in the right place. Jac's sister Bailey was as pragmatic as Patrick, but she was also very protective of Jac. I loved the way she rode to the rescue when Jac first returned to Denver. Her meeting with Patrick and his brothers was great. I also loved their friend Gerald. He was a great foil for Patrick's over-the-top alpha maleness. One of my favorite characters was the street bum with the long white beard who kept turning up. It was pretty obvious who he was, and I loved each of his appearances. The rest of Patrick's family were fun and crazy and obviously loved each other. Their Christmas craziness was fantastic.

Now That It's You - Tawna Fenske (Montlake Romance - Oct 2016)

Talented chef Meg Delaney hasn’t spoken to her cheating ex-fiancé, Matt Midland, for two years. Ditching him at the altar after blurting out “I can’t” instead of “I do” would sour any relationship. But now, just as Meg is finally ready to bury the hatchet, she learns closure is permanently off the menu. And the kicker? Matt’s brother, Kyle, is back in her life, stirring up feelings that are equal parts guilt and lust.

Meg was the best thing that never happened to Kyle. He couldn’t make a move on his brother’s girlfriend -- even if Matt didn’t value her nearly enough. The situation is even more complicated now that Meg’s bestselling aphrodisiac cookbook has spawned a legal battle with the Midlands. Maybe he should stay away. But love, like family, plays by its own rules. And the one woman he shouldn’t want might be the only one who’s perfect for him.

Good book with a nice mix of romance and grief. It had been two years since Meg left her fiancé at the altar after finding out he had cheated on her. She's finally ready to bury the hatchet and goes to see Matt at the hospital where he is having minor surgery. Meg runs into her ex's brother at the hospital and learns that Matt has died. Kyle has always had a thing for Meg but buried his feelings while she was with Matt. Now that Matt is gone, so is that reason to keep his distance. But there are other things that complicate the situation.

Overall, I really enjoyed the story. I liked the way that Meg decided to close the Matt chapter in her life by visiting him in the hospital and ached for her when she found out about his death. There were times that I thought her grief was a little excessive, considering that they'd broken up two years earlier, but on the other side, they had been together for a long time. Kyle's grief and conflicted feelings were understandable. He and Matt had been brothers, but not always friends. Because Kyle and Meg had also been friends, they were able to connect over their shared grief. But there is also an underlying attraction, one that Kyle has felt for years and that is (mostly) new to Meg.

I liked the development of the relationship between Meg and Kyle. They had a lot in common, including a somewhat quirky sense of humor. The scenes with the LARPers and Kyle helping Meg prep a catering job were pretty funny. Because they knew each other so well, they were also able to open up about their memories of Matt, both good and bad. Those moments were sweet and heartbreaking. I loved the way that Kyle was so sensitive to Meg's moods, fears, and dreams. I had great hopes for something special between them.

However, their developing relationship was complicated by the legal battle initiated by Matt and Kyle's mother over the photographs in Meg's cookbook. My opinion was that Sylvia was way out of line with her demands and her attitude. Everything that was revealed about Matt made him look like a self-centered jerk. His attitude toward Meg and her cookbook was obnoxious and I didn't think he (or his mother) deserved one penny from Meg. I ached a bit for Kyle since he was caught in the middle. He was torn between his love for Meg and his love for his brother, complicated by the guilt he was carrying over his actions. I had high expectations for him, and unfortunately, he did not fully live up to them. I hated what he did at the end and still don't understand how Meg could forgive him so easily. I liked seeing Meg develop enough backbone to stand up for herself, but then she backslid at the end. Matt's attitude toward her cookbook was more than enough, in my opinion, for her to stick to her guns. I think she gave up too much at the end - a token should have been sufficient. I'm happy for Meg and Kyle that their relationship worked out - forgiving Kyle for what he did was nice, but I don't know that I would ever be able to really forget and trust again.

A Baby for the Sheriff - Mary Leo (HWR #1664 - Oct 2017)

Series: Briggs Idaho (Book 8)

AND BABY MAKES THREE?

Veterinarian Coco Grant is used to animals being left on her doorstep. The last thing she expects to find there is an abandoned baby girl. As a temporary mommy, Coco can't resist loving her sweet little charge. But there's also Coco's growing attraction to the town's handsome, if infuriatingly by-the-book, sheriff.

To help with the baby, Sheriff Jet Wilson is practically living with Coco -- and the town gossips are in seventh heaven! It's only when rumors start circulating about Lily's real father that Jet realizes that there's a lot more at stake than setting a few tongues wagging. Because not only is the lawman falling for the baby…he's falling for Coco even harder.

Good book. Coco is the town veterinarian and frequently finds animals left on her doorstep. She gets quite a shock one snowy night to find a baby girl there. A call to the sheriff brings help, but also a dilemma. Thanks to the weather, she and the sheriff are snowed in together with the baby.

Coco and Jet start out with an antagonistic relationship. Coco frequently takes in abandoned farm animals in her vet practice, which is inside the city limits. As a result, she has received multiple tickets and fines from the sheriff, who doesn't cut her any slack. At the time that Coco finds the baby, she is about to have an evening alone with the local mayoral candidate, Russ Knightly, who doesn't like the interruption of his plans. Coco, who has crushed on Russ for a long time, is relieved by Jet's appearance and his capable care of the baby, but not by his intention to leave the baby with her. In the end, Russ leaves, and Coco and Jet find themselves connecting over the care of baby Lily.

I enjoyed the development of Coco and Jet's relationship. When their successful teamwork of baby care averts a crisis, both of them realize that little Lily has already wiggled into their cautious hearts. After Jet discovers startling information regarding Lily's parents, Coco talks him into delaying turning the baby over to the state and offers to let Jet and Lily stay with her while the claims are investigated. The offer isn't without risks. Coco has two things happening in her life. First, she tries to protect herself from becoming too attached to Lily, who only emphasizes Coco's desire for a child of her own. Second, Coco is in the beginning stages of a relationship with Russ, who doesn't show up well against the sheriff. This creates a great deal of inner conflict for Coco. Jet also has his issues. He has thick walls protecting his heart after a lifetime of being bounced from foster home to foster home. He tries desperately to be practical regarding Lily, but she sneaks into his heart anyway. He also believes that he is incapable of settling down in one place, which makes it hard for him to believe that he and Coco could have a chance together. I loved the way that Coco saw past Jet's fears and had confidence in his ability to love and be loved. I did think it took her a little too long to see Russ for who he was. I loved Jet's "aha" moment at the end after he was thoroughly lectured on his blindness by his deputy.

The secondary characters were well done. I enjoyed both Drew and Nash, who were great friends to Coco and Jet. Neither of them would let Coco or Jet get away with lying to themselves about their feelings. They were also great about being there when needed. The most prominent of the secondary characters was Russ Knightly. He set my teeth on edge from the very beginning. He was selfish, egotistical, and childish. I had a hard time believing that someone as smart as Coco could be fooled by him for so long. His actions when she told him why Jet was staying with her were just plain wrong, and I was glad she finally started to realize the truth. I laughed out loud when he got his in the end, as it served him right.

Dance of Seduction - Sabrina Jeffries (Avon - Mar 2003)

Series: Swanlea Spinsters (Book 4)

She won't let a thief steal her heart ...

It's difficult enough for Lady Clara Stanbourne to run her London home for reformed young pickpockets without having to contend with a criminal in business right next door! The mysterious Morgan Pryce is obviously dealing in stolen property, and she will never allow the handsome scoundrel to lead the children astray! Pryce is very much mistaken if he believes her a delicate rose he can wilt with soft words and passionate, unspoken promises. Now if only Clara could douse the fiery yearning the charming cad ignites inside her ...

This bold, beautiful temptress is indeed a distraction -- and Morgan wishes he could tell the exquisite Clara the truth: that he is working undercover to break up a notorious crime ring. His mind should be on his duty -- not wondering how it would feel to hold Clara in his arms and taste the sweetness of her luscious lips. But now that she has entered into his most dangerous game, Morgan knows he must have her, despite the very real peril to his secret mission ... and to his heart!

Good book. I especially enjoyed a setting outside the usual balls and house parties. Clara runs a home for reformed pickpockets in one of the seedier parts of London. She works hard to show them a better way of life and find them proper employment. She is dismayed and angry when a man who deals in stolen goods moves in so close to her property. She doesn't need him tempting her children, let alone herself! Morgan is there for one reason only - working undercover to catch the leader of a crime ring. The last thing he needs is the distraction posed by the beautiful and passionate Clara. The sooner he can fulfill his mission and get away from her temptation the happier he will be.

I really liked both Clara and Morgan. Clara is determined, spirited, and passionate about her work with the children. She refuses to let the Morgan's arrival undo her hard work and has no trouble charging in to save one of her boys from his evil influence. She is quite stubborn, and when things don't add up she takes matters into her own hands. Morgan is a man who is haunted by his past. Though eventually rescued from a bad childhood, the things he did have influenced the man he is now. Though he gives the impression of being a ruthless criminal, he is actually an honorable man doing what he can to serve his country.

Clara and Morgan struck sparks off each other from the moment they met. I loved watching Clara stand up to his threats. Morgan wasn't sure at times if he wanted to shake her or kiss her, and the kissing usually won out. It was fun to see him do his best to scare her off, especially since her reaction was usually the opposite. It didn't take long for Clara to realize that his words and actions didn't match up, making her even more determined to get at the truth. I enjoyed how she persisted until Morgan had no choice but to tell her what was going on. I found it amusing that in spite of his worry that she wouldn't be able to keep the secret, he was the one who couldn't stay away from her. I also liked the fact that when Morgan proposed marriage to protect her reputation, she refused to settle for what he was offering. She made it plain to him that she deserved more. I loved how well she understood him and wanted him to see the same man that she did. It was an emotional scene when he was finally able to let go of the past and see a bright future. The epilogue was a nice wrap-up for the book.

The part of the book dealing with Morgan's mission to capture the Spectre was pretty good. Morgan's past made him uniquely suited for the mission. I enjoyed Morgan's interactions with Johnny the pickpocket and Samuel the footman, as he tried to maintain his cover without putting them in danger. The first encounter with Spectre was pretty creepy, especially with his disguise. It was easy to feel the threat that he posed to both Morgan and Clara. As the book progressed, I suspected who it might be, but wasn't sure how he pulled it off until the end. The final confrontation was intense and had me on the edge of my seat until it was over.

The secondary characters also added depth to the story. I loved Clara's Aunt Verity and her dogs. It was easy to picture them as I was reading, along with her attempts to fix Clara up with Lord Winthrop. My favorites were Johnny and Samuel. Johnny's struggle with giving up pickpocketing was real. It was easy to see that he wanted to please Clara, but giving up that independence was hard. He had that teenage bravado that tried to hide his vulnerability, and I liked the way that Morgan tried to help him. I also loved Samuel, the reformed pickpocket who is now Clara's footman. I loved his protectiveness toward Clara, and his growth into the position as Morgan took him under his wing. He was really sweet with Lucy, too.

I definitely want to read the other books in the series, especially the one about Juliet and Morgan's brother.

Soldier's Promise - Cindi Myers (HI #1759 - Jan 2018)

Series: Ranger Brigade: Family Secrets (Book 4)

She’s undercover to expose a cult leader. He’s on a mission to save his family.

Officer Jake Lohmiller can’t believe the dark-haired, self-contained woman who earlier caught his eye was able to get the drop on him. Or that Carmen Redhorse is an undercover Ranger Brigade sergeant investigating the same Colorado cult his mother and sister are in. When a sniper opens fire on the encampment, the two join forces to bring down a killer. But even as the danger -- and the death count -- escalates, Jake sees the possibilities of teaming up with the smart, sexy cop on a permanent basis. If they can make it out alive…

Good continuation of the series. Jake is a Fish and Wildlife officer working undercover to expose a ring of cactus smugglers. He is also using the time to check up on his mother and sister who are part of the Family cult. He wasn't happy when a woman from the cult was able to sneak up on him and hold him at gunpoint. Carmen is a member of the Ranger Brigade who has been undercover with the cult. The Brigade has been investigating the cult for some time. Carmen's job is to make sure the members are safe and healthy.

When someone starts shooting at the camp, and a cult member ends up dead, Jake and Carmen decide to work together to find the killer and stop him. I loved the teamwork between Carmen and Jake. She has more experience in law enforcement than Jake does, but he has no problem with following her lead when necessary. The suspense of the story begins immediately and continues to build intensity throughout the story. There are several possibilities that must be considered. Jake's investigation into the smuggling of endangered cacti turns up a connection to the "Family" causing him more worry about the safety of his mother and sister. The leader of the cult claims that he is in danger from the same people. As Jake and Carmen delve deeper into their investigation, it becomes clear that someone doesn't want their interference. Everything comes to a nervewracking head when the bad guy takes Carmen and Jake's sister hostage in an effort to stop Jake. The final confrontation was intense and had me on the edge of my seat until it was all over. While Jake's case is resolved, the issue of the cult leader remains. Each book has brought out more information about him, but nothing yet that will shut him down. There were some instances I felt a little sorry for him, but mostly I thought he was controlling and creepy. I'm looking forward to seeing how his part ends up.

From the moment they met there was an instant attraction between Jake and Carmen. Neither one tries to hide it, but there are also some issues between them, including trust and family expectations. Jake is used to doing whatever necessary to blend in during his cases which makes Carmen wonder if she sees the real Jake or an assumed identity. They also have differing experiences with family, which have influenced who they are. Jake's experience with a flaky, drug-addicted mother caused a rift which he is now trying to mend. Carmen's family is close, with her mother trying to "encourage" Carmen to do things Carmen isn't interested in. She loves her family, but a little goes a long way, and she works hard to maintain her independence. I liked the way that Jake and Carmen were able to talk honestly with each other about their pasts and their dreams for the future. I loved how, in the end, Jake realized that he needed Carmen's love and faith in him to be the man she believes in. And Carmen realized that she didn't have to prove herself to Jake; that he loved her just the way she was.

The Hired Man - Lynna Banning (HH #1352 - Nov 2017)

Series: Smoke River (Book 5)

A home for the drifter

Cordell Winterman is haunted by his mistakes -- and the years spent paying for them. Broke and hungry, he takes a job as a hired man on Eleanor Malloy's farm.

Eleanor needs help. Desperately. Her kids are running wild and the place is held up by spit and rust. But as Cord helps her set her home to rights, Eleanor realizes she doesn't just need this enigmatic drifter with hunger in his eyes…she wants him, too!

Good book. Cord is on his way to California to restart his life, but in the meantime, he is broke and hungry. Spotting a newspaper ad for a hired man, he heads to Eleanor Malloy's farm to apply for the job. The sight of her apple trees in bloom appeals to something within him and the state of the farm to his desire to be needed.

Ellie is desperate for help. She is recovering from pneumonia and can't keep up with the work. Her nine-year-old son and five-year-old daughter need more attention than she can give them right now. Cord's arrival is just what she needs to keep going.

I liked both Cord and Ellie and the development of their relationship. Cord is haunted by his past, both the things he did during the war and what happened after. He hopes that the new start in California will help him feel normal again. In the meantime, working for Ellie will keep body and soul together. I liked the way that Cord immediately felt protective of Ellie and her family. It was really sweet to see him care for her as she recovered from her illness. I also loved how he became a role model for Danny and taught him the things a boy needed to know. He was also great with little Molly. There were sweet and funny scenes throughout the book as Cord dealt with various issues with the kids.  I also liked Ellie. She has worked hard to keep the farm and family going since her husband left for the war and never returned. I liked that she was smart enough to have the property put in her own name when Tom didn't come back. She is protective of her children which causes a few conflicts between herself and Cord when their views don't match up. She is also stubborn and determined, frequently to the point of collapse.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Cord and Ellie. It progressed past employer and employee to friends very quickly. There was also an attraction that simmered below the surface, but both tried to ignore it. Cord is only there temporarily until he can move on to California, and Ellie isn't sure what her marital status is. She doesn't know if she is a wife or a widow, so she won't give in to whatever she might feel. I loved Cord's protectiveness toward Ellie, from the way he took care of her to how he watched the men who came to visit her. I also enjoyed seeing him try to cope with his jealousy regarding those same men. Though Ellie was wary of Cord at the beginning, she quickly came to depend on him. The way he made her feel was very different than what she had experienced with her husband. I liked seeing them grow closer and how they began feeling like a family. Cord found himself dreaming of staying, but his past mistakes kept him from believing it was possible. Then an unexpected and unwelcome visitor arrived. Cord's protective instincts really came to the forefront then. Ellie was also cautious and came to depend even more on Cord. There were definitely signs that the visitor was bad news. I liked the way that Cord suspected the truth and the steps he took to protect Ellie and the children. The ending was intense and kept me on the edge of my seat as I wondered how it was going to work out. I loved the epilogue and Cord's comment right before they got married.